Drasmyr by Matthew D. Ryan

We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.

Drasmyr effectively returns us to the days when vampires were evil (not sparkly) and something to be feared.

Truth: I almost didn’t choose to read this. I wasn’t impressed by the blurb (really, it tells us nothing of the story) and didn’t love the cover (and I’ve been known to buy–or not buy–a book for the cover alone). But I gave it a try, skeptically started the first page and was completely hooked. This author has mad writing skills!

The story is told from various points-of-view: a mage, a thief, a bounty hunter and, of course, from the vampire’s himself. He’s evil to the core and has all the vampire traits of old: he’s a shape-shifting, coffin sleeping, blood-thirsty, immortal. It’s surprisingly refreshing to return to this type of vampire after reading so many romanticized versions of the creature.

The writing is deeply descriptive, interesting, complex. This isn’t a fluffy read, but it’s oh-so good. The characters are so real and we become truly and completely invested in them. Though the author is marketing this a YA dark fantasy, it’s a book that will appeal to any and all fantasy lovers. And, thankfully, it’s just the beginning. I checked: he’s writing more! I, for one, am thrilled.

Folks, if you’re looking for a story that will grab you and hang on tight, for a story that enthralls and leaves you wanting more, then look no farther than Drasmyr. It’s really that good.

Embrace the Romance

Gone in the Night

Love Me Only

My Favorite Mistake

Taking Desire

Needing Desire

Running Hot

Frost Moon

Blue Light Special

Review Star Rating Definitions

1 Star – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If it’s DNF or a “wall-banger” we decline to review.

2 Stars — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you’d re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library – not buy- and never check out again. You might recommend it to a friend with a mention of the glitches, knowing that something in the plot or story would still appeal to them regardless.

3 Stars — Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There’s a chance you’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars — Very Good. You’re glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars — Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book – For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you’re not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise – and reserved for only a few.

Review Heat Level Descriptions

SWEET: no visual love scenes and no descriptive kissing;

SENSUAL: Contains a high degree of sexual tension, steamy kisses and passionate clinches, but all fully consummated love scenes will be implied, not described, and with the bedroom door firmly closed.

SPICY: Contains actual love scenes and may include detailed descriptions of foreplay and consummation.

HOT: Contains sizzling and very detailed love scenes throughout and graphic, explicit content which may be offensive to some.

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FTC Disclaimer:

Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. On occasion, we review books we have purchased with our own money or borrowed from a public library. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.